A vineyard is an agricultural area dedicated primarily to the cultivation of grapevines, typically for the purpose of wine production, although table grapes and raisins are also produced in some cases. Vineyards are characterized by careful site selection, soil management, and vine training systems designed to optimize grape quality.
A vineyard differs from a winery in that a winery refers specifically to a facility where grapes are processed into wine; a winery may or may not own or operate its own vineyard.
In French winemaking terminology, the term "château" traditionally refers to an estate that includes both vineyards and a winemaking facility, often centered around a manor house or castle. Thus, while a vineyard denotes the agricultural aspect alone, a château implies an integrated operation involving both grape cultivation and wine production under a single estate identity.